The couple who run The Royal in Milnsbridge have been banned from playing music until they bring their performing licence up to date.

Barry and Michelle Hirst have been given a "pay-up or shut-up" ultimatum by one of the country's top judges at the High Court in London.

They also face a bill of £1,294.60 in legal fees - which has to be paid in 14 days - after a case they had not realised was due.

The Hirsts, who have been at the Scar Lane pub for two years, faced the legal music at the High Court for playing CDs at the pub.

They have been left with the prospect of jail if they play music.

If they disobey the ban they could, in addition to prison, face a hefty fine.

Mr Justice Park imposed the order on the Hirsts after he heard they were caught playing music at The Royal when they did not hold a Phonographic Performance Ltd licence.

He ruled that until they brought their licence up to date, any premises they run must be a music-free zone.

The penalties for disobeying such an order are a fine of up to £10,000 and up to two years in jail for contempt of court.

The judge was told by PPL counsel Henry Ward that one of its inspectors called at the premises last July and heard numbers including Freak Like Me, Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling and Say Goodbye being played.

The ban applies to the playing of all forms of mechanically recorded music, such as records, tapes and CDs.

Mrs Hirst has run the pub with her husband for two years. Her brother, Steven Power, was also involved until March this year.

Mrs Hirst believes the licence may not have been renewed because of a mix-up when her brother was working.

"It probably is up for renewal, but I did not know it had gone on for so long," she said.